Description: The article covers the definition of a strength, how to recognize strengths and block weaknesses, how to perform a strengths self-assessment, and ways to effectively describe our strengths to others.

Description: This is the second article in a three-part series focused on the "Do Nothing" leadership approach presented by Professor J. Keith Murnighan, a professor at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

Description: After research involving auto insurance is retracted due to fraud, I revisit my own book review and unskeptical quoting of that now-debunked research. A lesson in ASOP 23, on Data Quality, ensues, as it seems data in the research was falsified. There is also a lesson in ASOP 56, Modeling, which includes aspects of relying on outside experts for model input. At the end of it all, the value of our actuarial professional standards, in light of other professions seemingly having no standards (or no serious repercussions for breaching said standards), shines through. Also, be skeptical of 'one simple trick' approaches to transform the insurance industry.

Description: This is the third in a four-part series dedicated to strategies for improving EQ, based on the book Emotional Intelligence 2.0 written by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves. In previous issues of The Stepping Stone, I discussed the skills of self-awareness and self-management. In this article, I will share a few more of the book’s strategies and provide examples and personal insights to illustrate how to develop the third skill of social awareness in personal, social, and business situations.

Description: We are living in a time of significant changes which are taking a toll on some employees. To assist our team members through these tumultuous times, being a supportive manager is key. We discuss using emotional intelligence to help employees have a positive work experience.

Description: Gaining people management skills from Captain D. Michael Abrashoff's book, "Its Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy"

Description: In the Leadership & Development Section’s Leadership Inspiration Contest, entrants were asked to tell us what inspired them to be a better actuarial leader. Here is the winning entry from the “Defining Moment / Event” category.

Description: The author encourages actuaries to improve their communication skills and gives tips for doing so.

Description: This article discusses how being coached can improve the performance of actuaries, deepen our learning capabilities and improve our quality of life.

Description: The author of this article offers techniques to deal all types of persons who interfere with spoken presentations.